Roofing Helena MT is one of the most vital building components, acting as the primary barrier against natural elements. It is also the crowning glory of a home, elevating its architectural style and aesthetic.

Choosing the best roofing material will depend on a variety of factors. In this article, we will explore the different types of roofing available and their advantages and disadvantages.
The material used for roof sheathing is one of the most important decisions that goes into constructing your home. Choosing the right material can ensure your roof lasts for years, and protects your home from the elements for as long as possible. The two most common choices for sheathing are OSB and plywood. Each has unique properties that make it ideal for different roofing applications.
Plywood is made from multiple layers of wood veneer that are bonded together with phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesives. The layers are arranged so that their grain directions are perpendicular to each other. This design provides superior strength and stability compared to solid wood materials, as well as better resistance to bending.
It also has excellent dimensional stability, which reduces the risk of warping or shrinking. Moreover, it’s relatively cheap, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want to cut costs for their home improvement projects. There are various types of plywood available on the market, including roofing plywood, marine plywood, and flexible plywood. Roofing plywood is typically manufactured with high-quality veneers that are treated to resist moisture and fungal attacks. This type of plywood is ideal for roofing, as it can withstand heavy loads and resist water exposure for long periods.
Structural plywood is specifically engineered for use in load-bearing applications, and comes with evidence that it meets strict building code requirements for strength and stability. This type of plywood is ideal for flooring, roofing, and wall bracing in construction projects. It’s available in a wide range of thicknesses, and can be purchased from lumberyards and online suppliers.
Before you choose which type of plywood to use, consider the climate and weather challenges that your region might face. Plywood’s superior moisture resistance could make it a better option for humid or wet areas, while OSB may perform better in drier climates. Also, assess the project specifications and the expected lifespan of your roof to help you decide which material is best for your needs.
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an engineered wood panel that has become more popular than plywood in recent years. It is used as floor and wall sheathing in traditional platform-frame construction, but is also utilized as the web material for prefabricated wood I-joists and as a skin material for structural insulated panels (SIPs). OSB is produced by pressing long strips of interlocking wood strands together under high pressure and heat. This method of manufacturing yields a strong and durable product that is easy to work with on the jobsite.
The production of OSB utilizes a variety of wood species, making good use of under-utilized trees and forest residues. OSB manufacturers cut strands of wood from small diameter poplar and aspen trees that are 8 to 15 centimeters in length. The strands are then mixed with a waterproof resin and pressed into thick mats to form sheets of OSB.
These sheets are then cured under heat and pressure. The sheets are sized to match the requirements of specific projects. Typical sizes include 4′ x 8′ and 4′ x 10′ sheets. Depending on the project, the size of the sheet and the type of glue used in the production of the OSB, various grades of OSB are available. Typically, the higher the grade of OSB, the stronger and more expensive it will be.
Before a roof is installed on top of the OSB, it must be sealed with a water-resistant membrane. Various types of liquid membranes are available, as well as spray-on mastic sealants. A paint with a water-resistant additive can also be applied to the surface of the OSB.
If a self-adhesive membrane is being used, the mastic must be allowed to dry completely prior to the application of the roofing materials. The thickness of the membrane should be based on the roof slope, with steeper slopes requiring thicker sheets to handle the load.
One of the biggest disadvantages of OSB is its inability to tolerate moisture very well. The strands of wood can swell, especially around the edges, and this swelling is irreversible. This can telegraph through thin roofing materials such as asphalt roof shingles, and can create ghost lines on the finished roof. Some manufacturers have reduced the occurrence of Ghost Lines by coating strand edges with wax, but this doesn’t completely prevent them from occurring.
Metal Substrates
A substrate is the surface onto which you apply a new roofing system or coating. This can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal and other composites. A properly prepared substrate is the foundation of any roof system, and it’s essential for ensuring a high-quality installation.
If you’re a homeowner who’s looking for a new roof, there are many different roofing materials to choose from, but one of the most important decisions is what type of substrate you’ll use. The type of roof substrate you choose can affect the overall performance of your new roofing system, so it’s important to make an informed choice.
Traditional roofs are often built with wood substrates, like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). These provide a strong and stable foundation for the roof, and they’re easy to work with. However, they can be susceptible to moisture intrusion and other issues that can compromise the integrity of your roof.
Metal roofs have long been a popular option for commercial and residential buildings, and they’re available in a wide range of styles and finishes. There are even specialized metal substrates for solar and green roofing applications.
The most common metal substrates are steel and aluminum. Both offer a number of benefits for homeowners, but steel offers a higher level of corrosion resistance than aluminum. Homeowners can also opt for Galvanized or Galvalume substrates. Galvanized substrates are coated with a zinc layer, while Galvalume substrates are coated with an alloy of zinc and aluminum.
Other types of metal substrates include copper, which has a high thermal conductivity and offers improved stability when exposed to extreme temperatures. Additionally, fiberglass or cellulose insulation can be added to some types of metal substrates for additional energy efficiency.
When choosing a metal substrate, be sure to consider the climate and building codes where you live before making a decision. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional roofer before starting your project. This will help ensure that you’re using the best possible substrate for your needs, and that the roof installation process is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
Shingles
Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States, and they are available in a wide variety of styles to suit homeowners’ preferences and budgets. They are also one of the most durable roofing materials, with lifespans ranging up to 50 years or more. However, the longevity of shingle roofs depends on the quality of installation and upkeep.
When selecting shingles for your home, consider the local climate, your aesthetic preferences and upkeep requirements with the help of an experienced contractor. CoMo Premium Exteriors is a licensed roofing contractor with the experience and knowledge necessary to ensure your roof is protected for years to come.
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used shingle type for residential properties. They are inexpensive and offer a broad range of color options to suit any design aesthetic. Additionally, they are highly durable and resistant to moisture, allowing them to withstand severe weather conditions and last for decades.
Wood shingles are another common roofing option, with cedar shingles being particularly popular for their natural beauty and durability. Cedar shingles are especially resistant to moisture and insects, as well as being fire-resistant. Additionally, they offer a high level of natural insulation, helping to regulate your home’s temperature and reduce energy costs.
Slate shingles are another luxurious and high-end roofing option. Made of natural stone, slate shingles add elegance and sophistication to any home, but they are also quite expensive and require skilled installation to guarantee long-term performance.
Composite shingles are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional roofing materials, combining the benefits of both wood and metal. They can be manufactured using recycled materials, including rubber tires and plastics, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Before installing shingles, it’s important to thoroughly inspect your roof deck for any signs of damage or other issues that may need to be addressed. Then, the roof deck must be prepared for shingle installation by removing any existing shingles and cleaning the surface area. Lastly, the shingles themselves must be securely secured to the roof using appropriate nails. For best results, use ring shank nails to avoid damaging the shingle’s surface and to ensure a strong, durable finish.